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Bill

AJR 83

Designates first full week of May of each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Al Barlas and 2 co-sponsors

Designates the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week in New Jersey; a ceremonial designation urging a Governor's proclamation to honor teachers, with no funding.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
#commemoratio #teachers
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Bill Summary · AJR 83

Summary of AJR 83 (New Jersey)

Overview

AJR 83 is a joint resolution in the New Jersey Legislature that designates the first full week of May of each year as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the state. Introduced January 9, 2024, in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Education Committee, the measure is a ceremonial designation with no explicit funding. A companion bill exists as SJR 93.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and honor the contributions of New Jersey's teachers.
  • Highlight the pivotal role of educators in fostering student learning, safety, and well-being.
  • Specifically call attention to the teachers’ efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote instruction, while affirming ongoing appreciation for educators’ work.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation
    • The first full week of May of each year is designated as “Teacher Appreciation Week” in New Jersey to recognize teachers’ exceptional efforts and enduring contributions.
  2. Governor’s Proclamation
    • The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation designating the first full week of May as “Teacher Appreciation Week.”
    • The Governor should call upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
  3. Effective Date
    • The resolution takes effect immediately.

Timing and Procedure

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Education Committee (as of the introduced version).
  • Effect: Ceremonial designation; does not establish new programs or funding in itself.
  • Related Legislation: Companion bill SJR 93 (Senate counterpart).

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primarily affects public and nonpublic school educators in New Jersey, students, and families by providing a formal framework to acknowledge teachers’ contributions each May.
  • State government and public officials would be encouraged to participate through proclamations and observed activities.
  • No direct budget or regulatory changes are included in the bill; impact is symbolic and ceremonial, with potential downstream encouragement of teacher appreciation initiatives.

Background and Context

  • The accompanying language emphasizes teachers’ critical role, including their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote learning innovations, collaboration with parents, and ongoing commitment to student development.
  • The designation aligns with the nationwide observation of National Teacher Appreciation Week (since 1985).

If you’d like, I can compare AJR 83 to the companion SJR 93 or outline potential ceremonial activities that states typically implement during designated weeks.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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